Fabric softening compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to fabric softening compositions and methods thereof which effectively reduces the amount of dyes released from colored fabrics upon wet treatment, said composition comprising one or more cationic fabric softener components having at least two long chains, one or more dispersible polyolefins and one or more cationic dye fixing agents.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to fabric softening compositionsand more particularly to compositions which reduce the amount of dyesreleased from coloured fabrics upon wet treatment such as those whichoccur in a laundry operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The domestic treatment of coloured fabrics is a problem known inthe art to the formulator of laundry compositions. More particularly,the problem of formulating laundry compositions which reduce the amountof dyes released from coloured fabrics upon wet treatment is aparticular challenge to the formulator. This problem is now even moreacute with the trends of consumer to move towards more colored fabrics.Numerous solutions have been proposed in the art to solve this problemsuch as by treating the fabric with a dye scavenger during the washingprocess as described in EP 0,341,205, EP 0,033,815 and with a polyvinylsubstance as described in WO 94/11482 or in the rinse cycle with a dyefixing agent as described in EP 0,462,806. However, a problemencountered with these solutions is that the dye fixing agents when usedin the washing process may be destroyed or damaged by contact on storageand/or during the process, whilst when used in the rinse cycle the needfor high level of dye fixing agents is required to provide effective dyefixation performance. By high levels of dye fixing agents is meantlevels above at least 5% by weight and more especially above 10% byweight of the softening compositions. Furthermore, a problem relatedwith the use of dye fixing agents in a softening composition is that ofits weight efficiency. So that, although levels of dye fixing agentsabove 10% by weight would provide effective dye fixation, such use wouldresult in an increase in the formulation cost. Another problem relatedto the use of a high level of dye fixing agents in liquid fabricsoftening compositions is that the resulting products show phaseinstability. On the other hand, lowering the level of dye fixing agentswould not provide sufficient dye fixing properties.

[0003] Accordingly, notwithstanding the advances in the art, there isstill a need for a composition which effectively reduces the amount ofdyes released from coloured fabrics upon wet treatment.

[0004] The Applicant has now found that the use of a dispersiblepolyolefin in a fabric softener composition comprising one or morecationic fabric softener component having at least two long chains andone or more cationic dye fixing agent overcomes the problem.

[0005] An advantage of the invention is that the use of said dispersiblepolyolefin, even when preferably present in a low amount such as from0.1% to 3% by weight, in a fabric softener composition comprising one ormore cationic fabric softener component having at least two long chainsand one or more cationic dye fixative agents allows the use of a loweramount of cationic dye fixative agent while still not being detrimentalto the dye fixing performance of the composition.

[0006] It is therefore an advantage of the invention to provide fabricsoftening compositions which provide effective reduction of the amountof dyes released from coloured fabrics upon wet domestic treatments.

[0007] It is another advantage of the invention to provide fabricsoftening compositions with effective softening properties.

[0008] It is a further advantage of the invention to provide liquidfabric softening compositions which show effective storage stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a fabric softening compositioncomprising one or more cationic fabric softener components having atleast two long chains, one or more dispersible polyolefins and one ormore cationic dye fixing agents.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said dye fixingagents are present in amount of less than 5% by weight.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,methods for treating fabrics are provided. One method comprises tumbledrying the fabrics with a dryer-sheet onto which a fabric softeningcomposition of the invention has been applied. Another method comprisescontacting the fabrics during the rinse cycle of a consumer laundryprocess with an aqueous medium containing at least 50 ppm of a fabricsoftening composition of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Cationic Fabric Softeners

[0013] An essential component of the invention is one or more cationicfabric softener components having at least two long chains. By componenthaving at least two long chains is meant a component containing at leasttwo alkyl or alkenyl chains, each comprising from 10 to 25 carbon atoms.Such fabric softener provides effective softness benefit to the treatedfabrics.

[0014] Typical levels of said fabric softener components within theliquid softener compositions are from 1% to 99% by weight of thecompositions. Depending on the composition execution which can be dilutewith a preferred level of fabric softening components from 1% to 5%, orconcentrated, with a preferred level of fabric softening components from5% to 80%, more preferably 10% to 50%, most preferably 15% to 35% byweight.

[0015] Where the fabric softener composition is applied on a substratesuch as a dryer-sheet, the preferred level of fabric softener componentswill preferably be from 20% to 99%, more preferably from 30% to 90% byweight, and even more preferably from 35% to 80% by weight.

[0016] Typical cationic fabric softening components having at least twolong chains include the water-insoluble quaternary-ammonium fabricsoftening actives, the most commonly used having been di-long alkylchains ammonium chloride.

[0017] Preferred cationic softeners among these include the following:

[0018] 1) ditallow dimethylammonium chloride (DTDMAC);

[0019] 2) dihydrogenated tallow dimethylammonium chloride;

[0020] 3) dihydrogenated tallow dimethylammonium methylsulfate;

[0021] 4) distearyl dimethylammonium chloride;

[0022] 5) dioleyl dimethylammonium chloride;

[0023] 6) dipalmityl hydroxyethyl methylammonium chloride;

[0024] 7) stearyl benzyl dimethylammonium chloride;

[0025] 8) tallow trimethylammonium chloride;

[0026] 9) hydrogenated tallow trimethylammonium chloride;

[0027] 10) C₁₂-₁₄ alkyl hydroxyethyl dimethylammonium chloride;

[0028] 11) C₁₂-₁₈ alkyl dihydroxyethyl methylammonium chloride;

[0029] 12) ditallow imidazolinium methylsulfate;

[0030] 13) 1-(2-tallowylamidoethyl)-2-tallowyl imidazoliniummethylsulfate.

[0031] However, in recent years, the need has arisen for moreenvironmental-friendly materials, and rapidly biodegradable quaternaryammonium compounds have been presented as alternatives to thetraditionally used di-long chain ammonium chlorides. Such quaternaryammonium compounds contain long chain alk(en)yl groups interrupted byfunctional groups such as carboxy groups. Said materials and fabricsoftening compositions containing them are disclosed in numerouspublications such as EP-A-0,040,562, and EP-A-0,239,910.

[0032] The quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors hereinhave the formula (I) or (II), below

[0033] wherein Q is selected from —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—O—, —O—C(O)—O—,—NR⁴—C(O)—, —C(O)—NR⁴—;

[0034] R¹ is (CH₂)_(n)—Q—T² or T³;

[0035] R² is (CH₂)_(m)—Q—T⁴ or T⁵ or R³;

[0036] R³ is C₁-C₄ alkyl or C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl or H;

[0037] R⁴ is H or C₁-C₄ alkyl or C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl;

[0038] T¹, T², T³, T⁴, T⁵ are independently C₁₁-C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl;

[0039] n and m are integers from 1 to 4; and

[0040] X⁻ is a softener-compatible anion.

[0041] Non-iimiting examples of softener-compatible anions includechloride or methyl sulfate.

[0042] The alkyl, or alkenyl, chain T¹, T², T³, T⁴, T⁵ must contain atleast 11 carbon atoms, preferably at least 16 carbon atoms. The chainmay be straight or branched.

[0043] Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyland alkenyl material. The compounds wherein T¹, T², T³, T⁴, T⁵represents the mixture of long chain materials typical for tallow areparticularly preferred.

[0044] Specific examples of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable foruse in the aqueous fabric softening compositions herein include

[0045] 1) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;

[0046] 2) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium chloride;

[0047] 3) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammoniumchloride;

[0048] 4) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-ethylcarbonyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;

[0049] 5)N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-ethyl)-N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;

[0050] 6) N,N,N-tri(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl ammonium chloride;

[0051] 7)N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N-(tallowyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammoniumchloride;

[0052] 8) N-methyl-N-(3-tallowamidopropyl),N-(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)ammonium chloride;

[0053] 9) 1,2-ditallowyl-oxy-3-trimethylammoniopropane chloride; andmixtures of any of the above materials.

[0054] Of these, compounds 1-8 are examples of compounds of Formula (I);compound 9 is a compound of Formula (II). Particularly preferred isN,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride, where thetallow chains are at least partially unsaturated. The level ofunsaturation of the tallow chain can be measured by the Iodine Value(IV) of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present case shouldpreferably be in the range of from 5 to 100 with two categories ofcompounds being distinguished, having a IV below or above 25.

[0055] Indeed, for compounds of Formula (I) made from tallow fatty acidshaving an IV of from 5 to 25, preferably 15 to 20, it has been foundthat a cis/trans isomer weight ratio greater than 30/70, preferablygreater than 50/50 and more preferably greater than 70/30 providesoptimal concentrability. For compounds of Formula (I) made from tallowfatty acids having an IV of above 25, the ratio of cis to trans isomershas been found to be less critical unless very high concentrations areneeded.

[0056] Other examples of suitable quaternary ammoniums of Formula (I)and (II) are obtained by, e.g.

[0057] replacing “tallow” in the above compounds with, for example,coco, palm, lauryl, oleyl, ricinoleyl, stearyl, palmityl, or the like,said fatty acyl chains being either fully saturated, or preferably atleast partly unsaturated;

[0058] replacing “methyl” in the above compounds with ethyl, ethoxy,propyl, propoxy, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl or t-butyl;

[0059] replacing “chloride” in the above compounds with bromide,methylsulfate, formate, sulfate, nitrate, and the like.

[0060] In fact, the anion is merely present as a counterion of thepositively charged quaternary ammonium compounds. The nature of thecounterion is not critical at all to the practice of the presentinvention. The scope of this invention is not considered limited to anyparticular anion.

[0061] By “amine precursors thereof” is meant the secondary or tertiaryamines corresponding to the above quaternary ammonium compounds, saidamines being substantially protonated in the present compositions due tothe pH values.

[0062] For the preceding biodegradable fabric softening agents, the pHof the compositions herein is an essential parameter of the presentinvention. Indeed, it influences the stability of the quaternaryammonium or amine precursors compounds, especially in prolonged storageconditions.

[0063] The pH, as defined in the present context, is measured in theneat compositions at 20° C. For optimum hydrolytic stability of thesecompositions, the neat pH, measured in the above-mentioned conditions,must be in the range of from 2.0 to 4.5. Preferably, where the liquidfabric softening compositions of the invention are in a diluted form,the pH of the neat composition is in the range of 2.0 to 3.0. The pH ofthese compositions herein can be regulated by the addition of a Bronstedacid. Examples of suitable acids include the inorganic mineral acids,carboxylic acids, in particular the low molecular weight (C₁-C₅)carboxylic acids, and alkylsulfonic acids. Suitable inorganic acidsinclude HCI, H₂SO₄, HNO₃ and H₃PO₄. Suitable organic acids includeformic, acetic, citric, methylsulfonic and ethylsulfonic acid. Preferredacids are citric, hydrochloric, phosphoric, formic, methylsulfonic acid,and benzoic acids.

[0064] Dispersible Polyolefin

[0065] Another essential component of the invention is one or moredispersible polyolefins. Preferably, the polyolefin is a polyethylene,polypropylene or mixtures thereof. The polyolefin may be at leastpartially modified to contain various functional groups, such ascarboxyl, carbonyl, ester, ether, alkylamide, sulfonic acid or amidegroups. More preferably, the polyolefin employed in the presentinvention is at least partially carboxyl modified or, in other words,oxidized. In particular, oxidized or carboxyl modified polyethylene ispreferred in the compositions of the present invention.

[0066] For ease of formulation, the polyolefin is preferably introducedas a suspension or an emulsion of polyolefin dispersed by use of anemulsifing agent. The polyolefin suspension or emulsion preferably hasfrom 1 to 50%, more preferably from 10 to 35% by weight, and mostpreferably from 15 to 30% by weight of polyolefin in the emulsion. Thepolyolefin preferably has a molecular weight of from 1,000 to 15,000 andmore preferably from 4,000 to 10,000.

[0067] When an emulsion is employed, the emulsifier may be any suitableemulsification or suspending agent. Preferably, the emulsifier is acationic, nonionic, zwitterionic or anionic surfactant or mixturesthereof. Most preferably, any suitable cationic, nonionic or anionicsurfactant may be employed as the emulsifier. Preferred emulsifiers arecationic surfactants such as the fatty amine surfactants and inparticular the ethoxylated fatty amine surfactants. In particular, thecationic surfactants are preferred as emulsifiers in the presentinvention. The polyolefin is dispersed with the emulsifier or suspendingagent in a ratio of emulsifier to polyolefin of from 1:10 to 3:1.Preferably, the emulsion includes from 0.1 to 50%, more preferably from1 to 20% and most preferably from 2.5 to 10% by weight of emulsifier inthe polyolefin emulsion. Polyethylene emulsions and suspensions suitablefor use in the present invention are available under the tradenameVELUSTROL from HOECHST Aktiengesellschaft of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.In particular, the polyethylene emulsions sold under the tradenameVELUSTROL PKS, VELUSTROL KPA, or VELUSTROL P-40 may be employed in thecompositions of the present invention.

[0068] The compositions of the present invention contain from 0.01% to8% by weight of the dispersible polyolefin. More preferably, thecompositions include from 0.1% to 5% by weight and most preferably from0.1% to 3% by weight of the polyolefin. When the polyolefin is added tothe compositions of the present invention as an emulsion or suspension,the emulsion or suspension is added at sufficient enough quantities toprovide the above noted levels of dispersible polyolefin in thecompositions.

[0069] Cationic Dye Fixing Agents

[0070] The other essential component of the invention is one or morecationic dye fixative agents. Cationic dye fixing agents, or“fixatives”, are well-known, commercially available materials which aredesigned to improve the appearance of dyed fabrics by minimizing theloss of dye from fabrics due to washing but which are not fabricsofteners. Cationic dye fixatives are based on various quaternized orotherwise cationically charged organic nitrogen compounds. Cationicfixatives are available under various trade names from severalsuppliers. Representative examples include: CROSCOLOR PMF (July 1981,Code No. 7894) and CROSCOLOR NOFF (January 1988, Code No. 8544) fromCrosfield; INDOSOL E-50 (Feb. 27, 1984, Ref. No. 6008.35.84;polyethyleneamine-based) from Sandoz; SANDOFIX TPS, which is alsoavailable from Sandoz and is a preferred polycationic fixative for useherein and SANDOFIX SWE (cationic resinous compound), REWIN SRF, REWINSRF-O and REWIN DWR from CHT-Beitlich GMBH and Tinofix® ECO availablefrom Ciba-Geigy.

[0071] Other cationic dye fixing agents are described in“Aftertreatments for improving the fastness of dyes on textile fibres”by Christopher C. Cook (REV. PROG. COLORATION Vol. 12, 1982). Dye fixingagents suitable for use in the present invention are ammonium compoundssuch as fatty acid—diamine condensates e.g. the hydrochloride, acetate,metosulphate and benzyl hydrochloride of oleyldiethyl aminoethylamide,oleylmethyl-diethylenediaminemethosulphate, monostearyl-ethylenediaminotrimethylammonium methosulphate and oxidized products of tertiaryamines; derivatives of polymeric alkyldiamines, polyamine-cyanuricchloride condensates and aminated glycerol dichlorohydrins.

[0072] A typical amount of dye fixing agent to be employed in thecomposition of the invention is preferably from 0.001% to 10% by weightof the composition.

[0073] Advantageously, the use of the dispersible polyolefin, even whenpresent in amount as low as 0.1% to 3% allows the use of lower dyefixative levels without compromising on the dye fixing performance ofthe composition. Accordingly, lower levels of dye fixing agents arepermitted; such levels are preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight, mostpreferably from 0.5% to 2.5% by weight of the composition.

[0074] A further advantage to this lowering of dye fixatives levels isthe resulting better weight efficiency due to the reduction in theformulation cost.

[0075] Another advantage of the invention is that of the stabilisationof the fabric softener containing dye fixing agents by the use of thedispersible polyolefin.

[0076] Additional Components

[0077] The composition may also optionally contain additional componentssuch as enzymes, additional fabric softener materials, surfactantconcentration aids, electrolyte concentration aids, stabilisers, such aswell-known antioxidants and reductive agents, soil release polymers,emulsifiers, bacteriocides, colorants, perfumes, preservatives, opticalbrighteners, anti ionisation agents, antifoam agents and chelatingagents.

[0078] Enzymes

[0079] The composition herein can optionally employ one or more enzymessuch as lipases, proteases, cellulase, amylases and peroxidases. Apreferred enzyme for use herein is a cellulase enzyme. Indeed, this typeof enzyme will further provide a color care benefit to the treatedfabric. Cellulases usable herein include both bacterial and fungaltypes, preferably having a pH optimum between 5 and 9.5. U.S. Pat. No.4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, Mar. 6, 1984, discloses suitable fungalcellulases from Humicola insolens or Humicola strain DSM1800 or acellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas, andcellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk,Dolabella Auricula Solander. Suitable cellulases are also disclosed inGB-A-2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832. CAREZYME® andCELLUZYME® (Novo) are especially useful. Other suitable cellulases arealso disclosed in WO 91/17243 to Novo, WO 96/34092, WO 96/34945 andEP-A-0,739,982.

[0080] In practical terms for current commercial preparations, typicalamounts are up to about 5 mg by weight, more typically 0.01 mg to 3 mg,of active enzyme per gram of the composition. Stated otherwise, thecompositions herein will typically comprise from 0.001% to 5%,preferably 0.01%-1% by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation. In theparticular cases where activity of the enzyme preparation can be definedotherwise such as with cellulases, corresponding activity units arepreferred (e.g. CEVU or cellulase Equivalent Viscosity Units). Forinstance, the compositions of the present invention can containcellulase enzymes at a level equivalent to an activity from about 0.5 to1000 CEVU/gram of composition. Cellulase enzyme preparations used forthe purpose of formulating the compositions of this invention typicallyhave an activity comprised between 1,000 and 10,000 CEVU/gram in liquidform, around 1,000 CEVU/gram in solid form.

[0081] Additional Fabric Softener Materials

[0082] Additional fabric softening materials may be used in addition tothe cationic fabric softener. These may be selected from nonionic,amphoteric or anionic fabric softening materials. Disclosure of suchmaterials may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,133; U.S. 4,421,792; U.S.4,426,299; U.S. 4,460,485; U.S. 3,644,203; U.S. 4,661,269; U.S.4,439,335; U.S. 3,861,870; U.S. 4,308,151; U.S. 3,886,075; U.S.4,233,164; U.S. 4,401,578; U.S. 3,974,076; U.S. 4,237,016 and EP472,178.

[0083] Typically, such nonionic fabric softener materials have an HLB offrom 2 to 9, more typically from 3 to 7. Such nonionic fabric softenermaterials tend to be readily dispersed either by themselves, or whencombined with other materials such as single-long-chain alkyl cationicsurfactant described in detail hereinafter. Dispersibility can beimproved by using more single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant,mixture with other materials as set forth hereinafter, use of hotterwater, and/or more agitation. In general, the materials selected shouldbe relatively crystalline, higher melting, (e.g. >40° C.) and relativelywater-insoluble.

[0084] Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters ofpolyhydric alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, oranhydride, contains from 2 to 18, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms,and each fatty acid moiety contains from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to20, carbon atoms.

[0085] Typically, such softeners contain from one to 3, preferably 2fatty acid groups per molecule.

[0086] The polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethyleneglycol, glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra, penta-, and/or hexa-)glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol orsorbitan. Sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate are particularlypreferred.

[0087] The fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived fromfatty acids having from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20, carbonatoms, typical examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristicacid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid.

[0088] Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use inthe present invention are the sorbitan esters, which are esterifieddehydration products of sorbitol, and the glycerol esters.

[0089] Commercial sorbitan monostearate is a suitable material. Mixturesof sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearatelpalmitateweight ratios varying between 10:1 and 1:10, and 1,5-sorbitan esters arealso useful.

[0090] Glycerol and polyglycerol esters, especially glycerol,diglycerol, triglycerol, and polyglycerol mono- and/or di-esters,preferably mono-, are preferred herein (e.g. polyglycerol monostearatewith a trade name of Radiasurf 7248).

[0091] Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include mono-esters withstearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, myristic, and/or behenicacids and the diesters of stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic,behenic, and/or myristic acids. It is understood that the typicalmono-ester contains some di- and tri-ester, etc.

[0092] The “glycerol esters” also include the polyglycerol, e.g.,diglycerol through octaglycerol esters. The polyglycerol polyols areformed by condensing glycerin or epichlorohydrin together to link theglycerol moieties via ether linkages. The mono- and/or diesters of thepolyglycerol polyols are preferred, the fatty acyl groups typicallybeing those described hereinbefore for the sorbitan and glycerol esters.

[0093] Surfactant Concentration Aids

[0094] Surfactant concentration aids may also optionally be used.Surfactant concentration aids are typically selected from single longchain alkyl cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amine oxides,fatty acids, and mixtures thereof, typically used at a level of from 0to 15% of the composition.

[0095] Single Long Chain Alkyl Cationic Surfactants

[0096] Such mono-long-chain-alkyl cationic surfactants useful in thepresent invention are, preferably, quaternary ammonium salts of thegeneral formula

[R²N⁺R³] X⁻

[0097] wherein the R² group is C₁₀-C₂₂ hydrocarbon group, preferablyC₁₂-C¹⁸ alkyl group of the corresponding ester linkage interrupted groupwith a short alkylene (C₁-C₄) group between the ester linkage and the N,and having a similar hydrocarbon group, e.g., a fatty acid ester ofcholine, preferably C₁₂-C₁₄ (coco) choline ester and/or C₁₆-C₁₈ tallowcholine ester at from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the softener active. EachR³ is a C₁-C₄ alkyl or substituted (e.g., hydroxy) alkyl, or hydrogen,preferably methyl, and the counterion X⁻ is a softener compatible anion,for example, chloride, bromide, methyl sulfate, etc.

[0098] Other cationic materials with ring structures such as alkylimidazoline, imidazolinium, pyridine, and pyridinium salts having asingle C₁₂-C₃₀ alkyl chain can also be used. Very low pH is required tostabilize, e.g., imidazoline ring structures.

[0099] Some alkyl imidazolinium salts and their imidazoline precursorsuseful in the present invention have the general formula:

[0100] wherein Y² is —C(O)—O—, —O—(O)C—, —C(O)—N(R⁵)—, or —N(R⁵)—C(O)—in which R⁵ is hydrogen or a C₁-C₄ alkyl radical; R⁶ is a C₁-C₄ alkylradical or H (for imidazoline precursors); R⁷ and R⁸ are eachindependently selected from R³ and R² as defined hereinbefore for thesingle-long-chain cationic surfactant with only one being R².

[0101] Some alkyl pyridinium salts useful in the present invention havethe general formula:

[0102] wherein R² and X⁻ are as defined above. A typical material ofthis type is cetyl pyridinium chloride.

[0103] Nonionic Surfactant (Alkoxylated Materials)

[0104] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include additionproducts of ethylene oxide and, optionally, propylene oxide, with fattyalcohols, fatty acids, fatty amines, etc.

[0105] Suitable compounds are substantially water-soluble surfactants ofthe general formula:

R²—Y—(C₂H₄O)_(z)—C₂H₄OH

[0106] wherein R² is selected from primary, secondary and branched chainalkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups; primary, secondary and branchedchain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branchedchain alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; saidhydrocarbyl groups having a hydrocarbyl chain length of from 8 to 20,preferably from 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0107] Y is typically —O—, —C(O)O—, —C(O)N(R)—, or —C(O)N(R)R—, in whichR² and R, when present, have the meanings given hereinbefore, and/or Rcan be hydrogen, and z is at least 8, preferably at least 10-11.

[0108] The nonionic surfactants herein are characterized by an HLB(hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) of from 7 to 20, preferably from 8 to15.

[0109] Examples of particularly suitable nonionic surfactants include

[0110] Straight-Chain, Primary Alcohol Alkoxylates such as tallowalcohol-EO(11), tallow alcohol-EO(18), and tallow alcohol-EO(25);

[0111] Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates such as2-C₁₆EO(11); 2-C₂₀EO(11); and 2-C₁₆EO(14);

[0112] Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylates, such as p-tridecylphenol EO(11) andp-pentadecylphenol EO(18), as well as

[0113] Olefinic Alkoxylates, and Branched Chain Alkoxylates such asbranched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are available fromthe well-known “OXO” process.

[0114] Amine Oxides

[0115] Suitable amine oxides include those with one alkyl orhydroxyalkyl moiety of 8 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 16carbon atoms, and two alkyl moieties selected from alkyl groups andhydroxyalkyl groups with 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0116] Examples include dimethyloctylamine oxide, diethyldecylamineoxide, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, dimethyidodecyl-amineoxide, dipropyltetradecylamine oxide, methylethylhexadecylamine oxide,dimethyl-2-hydroxyoctadecylamine oxide, and coconut fatty alkyldimethylamine oxide.

[0117] Fatty Acids

[0118] Suitable fatty acids include those containing from 10 to 25,preferably from 12 to 25 total carbon atoms, with the fatty moietycontaining from 10 to 22, preferably from 16 to 22, carbon atoms. Theshorter moiety contains from 1 to 4, preferably from 1 to 2 carbonatoms. The level of unsaturation of the tallow chain can be measured bythe Iodine Value (IV) of the corresponding fatty acid, which in thepresent case should preferably be in the range of from 5 to 100, morepreferably in the range of from 0 to 25.

[0119] Specific examples of fatty acid compounds suitable for use in theaqueous fabric softening compositions herein include compounds selectedfrom lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidicacid, behenic acid, oleic acid, coconut fatty acid, tallow fatty acid,partially hydrogenated tallow fatty acid and mixtures thereof. A mostpreferred fatty acid compound is tallow fatty acid with an Iodine Value(IV) of 18.

[0120] Electrolyte Concentration Aids

[0121] Inorganic viscosity control agents which can also act like oraugment the effect of the surfactant concentration aids, includewater-soluble, ionizable salts which can also optionally be incorporatedinto the compositions of the present invention. Incorporation of thesecomponents to the composition must be processed at a very slow rate.

[0122] A wide variety of ionizable salts can be used. Examples ofsuitable salts are the halides of the Group IA and IIA metals of thePeriodic Table of the Elements, e.g., calcium chloride, magnesiumchloride, sodium chloride, potassium bromide, and lithium chloride. Theionizable salts are particularly useful during the process of mixing theingredients to make the compositions herein, and later to obtain thedesired viscosity. The amount of ionizable salts used depends on theamount of active ingredients used in the compositions and can beadjusted according to the desires of the formulator. Typical levels ofsalts used to control the composition viscosity are from 20 to 20,000parts per million (ppm), preferably from 20 to 11,000 ppm, by weight ofthe composition.

[0123] Alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated into thecomposition to give viscosity control in addition to or in place of thewater-soluble, ionizable salts above. In addition, these agents can actas scavengers, forming ion pairs with anionic detergent carried overfrom the main wash, in the rinse, and on the fabrics, and may improvesoftness performance. These agents may stabilise the viscosity over abroader range of temperature, especially at low temperatures, comparedto the inorganic electrolytes.

[0124] Specific examples of alkylene polyammonium salts include I-lysinemonohydrochloride and 1,5-diammonium 2-methyl pentane dihydrochloride.

[0125] Another ingredient is a liquid carrier. Suitable liquid carriersare selected from water, organic solvents and mixtures thereof. Theliquid carrier employed in the instant compositions is preferably atleast primarily water due to its low cost relative availability, safety,and environmental compatibility. The level of water in the liquidcarrier is preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 60%, byweight of the carrier. Mixtures of water and low molecular weight, e.g.,<200, organic solvent, e.g., lower alcohol such as ethanol, propanol,isopropanol or butanol are useful as the carrier liquid. Low molecularweight alcohols include monohydric, dihydric (glycol, etc.) trihydric(glycerol, etc.), and higher polyhydric (polyols) alcohols.

[0126] Form of the Composition

[0127] The fabric softening composition can take a variety of physicalforms including liquid such as aqueous or non-aqueous compositions andsolid forms such as solid particulate forms. Preferably, the presentcomposition is in a liquid form.

[0128] Such compositions may be applied onto a substrate such as a dryersheet product, used as a rinse added product, or as a spray or foamproduct. Preferably, the present composition is in a rinse added form.

[0129] The compositions of the invention can be added directly in therinse both to provide adequate usage concentration, e.g., at least 50ppm and more preferably from 100 to 10,000 ppm of the liquid rinse addedfabric softener compositions of the present invention.

[0130] Accordingly, a method is provided for treating fabrics comprisingcontacting said fabrics in the rinse cycle with an aqueous mediumcontaining at least 50 ppm, preferably from 100 to 10,000 ppm of theliquid fabric softening composition of the invention.

[0131] Process

[0132] The fabric softening composition can conveniently be madeaccording to well-known processes to the skilled person. An exemplarydisclosure is given in EP-A-0,668,902.

[0133] The invention is illustrated in the following non-limitingexamples, in which all percentages are on a weight basis unlessotherwise stated.

[0134] In the examples, the abbreviated component identifications havethe following meanings:

[0135] DEQA: Di-(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride

[0136] Fatty acid: Stearic acid of IV=18

[0137] Electrolyte: Calcium chloride

[0138] PEG: Polyethylene Glycol MW 4000

[0139] Velustrol® PKS: Cationic polyethylene emulsion available fromHOECHST Aktiengesellschaft

[0140] Carezyme: cellulytic enzyme sold by NOVO Industries A/S

EXAMPLE 1

[0141] The following fabric softening composition according to thepresent invention was prepared: Component A DEQA 19.0 Hydrochlorid acid0.02 Soil Release Polymer 0.02 PEG 0.6 Perfume 1.0 Electrolyte 600 ppmDye 50 ppm Sandofix ® TPS 1.0 Velustrol ® PKS 2.6 Water and minors tobalance to 100%

EXAMPLE 2

[0142] The following fabric softening compositions are in accordancewith the invention: Component B C D DEQA 2.6 2.9 18.0 Fatty acid 0.3 —1.0 Hydrochlorid acid 0.02 0.02 0.02 Soil Release Polymer — — 0.02 PEG —— 0.6 Perfume 1 0.5 1 Electrolyte — — 600 ppm Dye 10 ppm 10 ppm 50 ppmSandofix ® TPS 0.3 0.3 1.0 Velustrol ® PKS 0.8 0.8 2.6 Carezyme CEVU/g —— 50 of composition Water and minors to balance to 100%

1. A fabric softening composition comprising one or more cationic fabricsoftener components having at least two long chains, one or moredispersible polyolefins and one or more cationic dye fixing agents.
 2. Afabric softening composition according to claim 1 , wherein said fabricsoftener is a biodegradable cationic fabric softener selected fromquaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors having the formula(I) or (II), below

wherein Q is selected from —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—O—, —O—C(O)—O—, —NR⁴—C(O)—,—C(O)—NR⁴—; R¹ is (CH₂)_(n)—Q—T² or T³; R² is (CH₂)_(m)—Q—T⁴ or T⁵ orR³; R³ is C₁-C₄ alkyl or C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl or H; R⁴ is H or C₁-C₄ alkylor C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl; T¹, T², T³, T⁴, T⁵ are independently C₁₁-C₂₂alkyl or alkenyl; n and m are integers from 1 to 4; and X⁻ is asoftener-compatible anion.
 3. A fabric softening composition accordingto either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said fabric softener is presentin amount of 1% to 99% by weight.
 4. A fabric softening compositionaccording to any one of claims 1-3, wherein said dispersible polyolefinis added as an emulsion or suspension of polyolefin.
 5. A fabricsoftening composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein saiddispersible polyolefin is a polyethylene.
 6. A fabric softeningcomposition according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein saidpolyethylene is an oxidised polyethylene.
 7. A fabric softeningcomposition according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein said polyolefinis dispersed with an emulsifier selected from a cationic, anionic ornonionic surfactant.
 8. A fabric softening composition according to anyone of claims 1-7, wherein said polyolefin is present in amount of 0.01%to 8%, preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight.
 9. A fabric softeningcomposition according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein said dye fixingagent is present in amount of from 0.001% to 10% by weight, preferablyfrom 0.1% to 5% by weight.
 10. A fabric softening composition accordingto any one of claims 1-9, wherein said dye fixing agent is apolycationic dye fixing agent.
 11. A fabric softening compositionaccording to any one of claims 1-10, wherein said composition furthercomprises an enzyme, preferably a cellulase.
 12. A fabric softeningcomposition according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein said fabricsoftening composition is a liquid composition.
 13. A method for treatingfabrics comprising tumble drying said fabrics with a dryer-sheet ontowhich a fabric softening according to any one of claims 1-11 has beenapplied.
 14. A method for treating fabrics comprising contacting saidfabrics in the rinse cycle with an aqueous medium containing at least 50ppm of a liquid fabric softening composition as defined in claim 12 .